Dee Estuary Birding
Birdwatching Events 2013...
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Birdwatching Events for 2013 are shown. This is only a portion of the total - additions (and any changes) to these events will be shown in the forthcoming events section of the monthly newsletter on this web site.
2013
Sunday 6th January, 3rd February and 3rd March:
Skydancers at Parkgate - 12 noon until dusk.
Skydancer is an exciting new four-year project aimed at raising awareness and promoting the conservation of hen harriers in the north of England.
The Dee Estuary is a vital wintering ground for these amazing birds and is the best place to see them from October through to March.
Most people have never seen a hen harrier, but once seen it is rarely forgotten. This bird is a beautiful, agile hunter, and its aerobatic sky dances are among the most awesome spectacles in nature.
Unfortunately, with only a handful of pairs still breeding successfully in England, the hen harrier is currently a species on the brink.
Come along to Parkgate to find out more about the hen harrier story and what you can do to help save hen harriers before it's too late!
Look for the RSPB Love Nature marquee along the main promenade at Parkgate where friendly staff and volunteers will be with telescopes and binoculars plus family activities, free information and more: http://www.rspb.org.uk/skydancer/
Directions: The "Donkey Stand" opposite Nicholls Ice-cream shop on The Parade (B5135), Parkgate, Cheshire.
Saturday 12th January, High tide Birdwatch, Hoylake.
9:30 am start.
You will discover why Wirral’s foreshore is an internationally protected site when you join the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens, Coastal Rangers and the RSPB on this winter birdwatch at Hoylake. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them.
No need to book.
Meet at King’s Gap, Hoylake.
Please ring (0151) 648 4371 if you need more information.
Friday January 18th 7.15 for a 7.30pm start
“Chasing Blackwits” Studying bird migration on the Dee estuary and beyond.
This is an illustrated slideshow about the adventures locally, in Portugal and in Norway had by Ranger Matt Thomas as part of a research programme into shorebird migration. Black-tailed Godwits, Knot and Sanderling are all colour ringed in an effort to understand more about these birds’ ecology and conservation. This talk describes the methods and results of this project and the fun had chasing Blackwits across Europe.
Places are strictly limited so booking is essential (0151) 648 4371. Tickets are £2.50 each and include refreshments.
Saturday February 2nd 10am – 3pm
World Wetlands Day at Wirral Country Park
The Visitor Centre at Thurstaston overlooks the internationally important wetlands of the Dee estuary. We will be marking World Wetlands Day with a day of activities at the centre including a slideshow at 11am and a guided walk at 12.30pm. There will be experts on hand to answer birdwatching questions and stalls with information about local groups.
No need to book. Warm waterproofs, strong boots and binoculars recommended for the guided walk. Further information: (0151) 648 4371.
Tuesday February 12th 8am – 4pm
Hilbre Island – Purple Patch
Each winter Hilbre Island plays host to a small troop of Purple Sandpipers. These small waders are a real highlight of Hilbre’s winter avifauna and are the target species for this guided walk across to the islands. We will also look for other Hilbre winter specials like Brent Geese, divers and grebes. There will also be a short slideshow and talk in the Day Room. This is a full day trip, staying on the island over high tide.
Places are limited so booking is essential: (0151) 648 4371.
Saturday 2nd March, High tide Birdwatch, Hoylake.
11:00 am start.
You will discover why Wirral’s foreshore is an internationally protected site when you join the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens, Coastal Rangers and the RSPB on this winter birdwatch at Hoylake. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them.
No need to book.
Meet at the bottom of Trinity Road, North Parade, Hoylake promenade.
Please ring (0151) 648 4371 if you need more information.
Saturday 2nd March, Guided Walk at Point of Ayr, Flintshire.
11am start.
Price: Free, but Booking essential - please ring 0151 353 8478.
The Point of Ayr is a fantastic mosaic of habitat right on the seaward edge of the RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve.
Join our team of knowledgable staff and volunteers as we explore the area looking for early migrants before settling into the new hide for the rising tide which, pushes in thousands of wading birds.
Meet in the "Smugglers Inn" car park at thje end of Station Rd.
RSPB Point of Ayr, Talacre, Flintshire
Sunday 6th January, 3rd February and 3rd March:
Skydancers at Parkgate - 12 noon until dusk.
Skydancer is an exciting new four-year project aimed at raising awareness and promoting the conservation of hen harriers in the north of England.
The Dee Estuary is a vital wintering ground for these amazing birds and is the best place to see them from October through to March.
Most people have never seen a hen harrier, but once seen it is rarely forgotten. This bird is a beautiful, agile hunter, and its aerobatic sky dances are among the most awesome spectacles in nature.
Unfortunately, with only a handful of pairs still breeding successfully in England, the hen harrier is currently a species on the brink.
Come along to Parkgate to find out more about the hen harrier story and what you can do to help save hen harriers before it's too late!
Look for the RSPB Love Nature marquee along the main promenade at Parkgate where friendly staff and volunteers will be with telescopes and binoculars plus family activities, free information and more: http://www.rspb.org.uk/skydancer/
Directions: The "Donkey Stand" opposite Nicholls Ice-cream shop on The Parade (B5135), Parkgate, Cheshire.
Saturday 12th January, High tide Birdwatch, Hoylake.
9:30 am start.
You will discover why Wirral’s foreshore is an internationally protected site when you join the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens, Coastal Rangers and the RSPB on this winter birdwatch at Hoylake. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them.
No need to book.
Meet at King’s Gap, Hoylake.
Please ring (0151) 648 4371 if you need more information.
Friday January 18th 7.15 for a 7.30pm start
“Chasing Blackwits” Studying bird migration on the Dee estuary and beyond.
This is an illustrated slideshow about the adventures locally, in Portugal and in Norway had by Ranger Matt Thomas as part of a research programme into shorebird migration. Black-tailed Godwits, Knot and Sanderling are all colour ringed in an effort to understand more about these birds’ ecology and conservation. This talk describes the methods and results of this project and the fun had chasing Blackwits across Europe.
Places are strictly limited so booking is essential (0151) 648 4371. Tickets are £2.50 each and include refreshments.
Saturday February 2nd 10am – 3pm
World Wetlands Day at Wirral Country Park
The Visitor Centre at Thurstaston overlooks the internationally important wetlands of the Dee estuary. We will be marking World Wetlands Day with a day of activities at the centre including a slideshow at 11am and a guided walk at 12.30pm. There will be experts on hand to answer birdwatching questions and stalls with information about local groups.
No need to book. Warm waterproofs, strong boots and binoculars recommended for the guided walk. Further information: (0151) 648 4371.
Tuesday February 12th 8am – 4pm
Hilbre Island – Purple Patch
Each winter Hilbre Island plays host to a small troop of Purple Sandpipers. These small waders are a real highlight of Hilbre’s winter avifauna and are the target species for this guided walk across to the islands. We will also look for other Hilbre winter specials like Brent Geese, divers and grebes. There will also be a short slideshow and talk in the Day Room. This is a full day trip, staying on the island over high tide.
Places are limited so booking is essential: (0151) 648 4371.
Saturday 2nd March, High tide Birdwatch, Hoylake.
11:00 am start.
You will discover why Wirral’s foreshore is an internationally protected site when you join the Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens, Coastal Rangers and the RSPB on this winter birdwatch at Hoylake. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them.
No need to book.
Meet at the bottom of Trinity Road, North Parade, Hoylake promenade.
Please ring (0151) 648 4371 if you need more information.
Saturday 2nd March, Guided Walk at Point of Ayr, Flintshire.
11am start.
Price: Free, but Booking essential - please ring 0151 353 8478.
The Point of Ayr is a fantastic mosaic of habitat right on the seaward edge of the RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve.
Join our team of knowledgable staff and volunteers as we explore the area looking for early migrants before settling into the new hide for the rising tide which, pushes in thousands of wading birds.
Meet in the "Smugglers Inn" car park at thje end of Station Rd.
RSPB Point of Ayr, Talacre, Flintshire